Slate Bell — Raccoon Mountain Bell Founder

The story of Slate Bell

A fictional story inspired by the artwork.

The bell came out of its mold the previous evening. By morning it was cool enough to test with a wooden mallet. The founder takes the first strike from the side, standing where the note can be heard over the small noises from the furnace. A good bell sounds clear even when it is still surrounded by racks, stone, and workbenches.

The raccoon's dark face mask and striped tail stand out against a tawny shirt and a blue slate work apron. The muted clothing lets the cast metal and furnace light supply the warmest color. The mallet is small beside the bell, drawing attention to the modest amount of force needed to hear whether the casting has settled well.

In the story, the bell is headed for a lookout high on the mountain. The lookout has room for one bell, and the people below need to hear it through a full valley of wind. Slate checks the note several times before marking the bell for delivery. On the last strike, the founder walks to the doorway to hear it from farther away.

The picture holds the founder close to the casting, with tools and worn stone all around. It captures a test that depends on listening. The next movement is only a tap, but it determines whether the bell is ready to leave the workshop.

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